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Former Restaurant Worker Wins $100K Settlement for Discrimination

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Former Restaurant Worker Wins $100K Settlement for Discrimination

Jerrell McGirt, who worked at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in Georgia, has won a $115,000 settlement due to racial discrimination. 

According to documents from the case, on June 3, 2021, McGirt contacted the restaurant’s regional management to report how employees were being mistreated. He did not receive a response, so on June 8, he informed the restaurant’s leadership team, which included the general manager, interim executive chef, and acting supervisor.

Despite notifying them, no action was taken. He then sent two more complaints to regional management on June 12 and June 28, which were also ignored.

However, problems began when McGirt and other minorities felt mistreated by trainers. Despite complaining to management in June 2021, nothing changed. Eventually, he was sent home early and later fired after raising concerns about mistreatment based on race and citizenship.

McGirt reported his experiences to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to address these issues. 

After investigating, the EEOC found that Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant had violated laws against discrimination. Efforts to settle the dispute failed, leading to a legal claim filed in March 2024.

On June 17, 2024, a judge ruled in McGirt’s favor. The restaurant was ordered to pay the settlement, enforce policies against retaliation, and provide annual training on fair employment practices. They also must give McGirt a positive letter of recommendation.

The Atlanta location of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant had already closed in May 2024 due to business challenges post-pandemic, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

McGirt’s case highlights the importance of addressing workplace discrimination and ensuring fair treatment for all employees.

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